Major tour operators will be able to assess market statistics accurately for the first time in almost a year, with a replacement for former industry analyst ACNielsen to be announced within weeks.
A new business will give operators access to industry-wide sales figures.
ACNielsen supplied major travel groups with weekly and monthly trading figures until two major operators pulled out of deals with the company last October, rendering the figures meaningless. At the time, ACNielsen was criticised for ignoring direct sales figures.
Federation of Tour Operators director-general Andy Cooper would not comment on its replacement, but said: “There has been no formal data since last October, which has been a big issue for all operators.”
The news comes as the trade reports bumper sales and revenues for the peak season. Forward bookings also appear strong, thanks partly to the poor UK weather and stable prices. There have been no increases in fuel prices for the first time in three years.
The exchange rate of sterling against the US dollar is also helping sales for winter 2007 and summer 2008, since most operators pay for accommodation and aircraft leases in dollars. According to one leading operator: “Prices have not gone up because they have not needed to.”
Kinver Travel Centre owner Sue Foxall thanked the weather for a 15% year-on-year rise in early sales for next summer. She said: “Customers struggled to get a late bargain and are booking early for next year, largely through the main operators as they offer free child places.”
Somewhere2stay.com managing director Stuart Jackson said September would be more challenging when children go back to school.
First Choice reported its mainstream holiday revenues up 6% on volume growth of 3% this summer.